Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, has completed testing of a hydrogen-powered train coach, referred to as a “Driving Power Car.” The trial was conducted at the ICF facility and was confirmed by the Railway Minister of India on 25 July 2025. The initiative is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to adopt alternative fuel technologies for rail transport.
The coach is part of a broader plan under the “Hydrogen for Heritage” project, which aims to deploy hydrogen-powered trains on heritage and hill routes. Indian Railways intends to introduce 35 such trains, each estimated to cost INR 800 million. The supporting ground infrastructure per route is projected to cost around INR 700 million.
A pilot project to retrofit a Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) with hydrogen fuel cells is also underway. The retrofitted unit, with a budget of INR 1,118.3 million, is expected to operate on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway.
According to the Railway Minister, India is developing a hydrogen-powered train with a power output of 1,200 horsepower. The coach tested in Chennai is part of this ongoing development effort.
Hydrogen trains produce no direct carbon emissions. While their current operating costs are higher than those of conventional trains, these are expected to decline over time with increased adoption and technological advances.
ICF, a production unit under Indian Railways based in Chennai, is involved in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of passenger rail coaches for both domestic and export markets.